New Delhi, July 18: India is set to witness the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, as Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace prepares to launch its Mission Aagaman from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 11:30 am on Saturday.
Ahead of the launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the mission as a significant milestone in India’s space programme. In a post on X, he said Vikram-1 represents the country’s first privately built orbital launch vehicle and reflects the capabilities of India’s youth and the opportunities created through space sector reforms. He extended his best wishes to the Skyroot Aerospace team and encouraged people to follow the mission.
Former ISRO Chairman S. Somnath also congratulated the Skyroot team, saying the mission marks the emergence of India’s private rocket-building capability. He noted that the launch reflects years of technological development, policy reforms and collaboration between ISRO, industry and startups, adding that every launch contributes to the country’s growing expertise in the space sector.
The 24-metre Vikram-1 rocket is the first launch vehicle developed by an Indian private company to independently attempt placing satellites into orbit. Built with a lightweight carbon-composite structure, the four-stage rocket uses three solid-fuel stages along with a liquid-fuel orbital adjustment module. It is designed to carry payloads of up to 350 kilograms into a 450-kilometre Low Earth Orbit at a 60-degree inclination.
Among the payloads onboard is a lab-grown “Diamond Lotus” developed by Bengaluru-based Cosmos Diamonds.
IN-SPACe Technical Director Rajesh Jothi said the mission reflects the rapid expansion of India’s private space sector following the government’s space reforms introduced in 2020. He said the number of space startups has grown from a handful to more than 400, creating new opportunities for innovation and commercial space activities.
He added that a successful Vikram-1 mission would strengthen India’s position in the small satellite launch market and enhance its commercial launch capabilities.
Skyroot Aerospace Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Naga Bharath Daka said the company was established eight years ago with the objective of developing affordable, reliable and on-demand launch services for satellite operators worldwide. He said the maiden launch represents the culmination of years of work by the company’s team and an important step in India’s private space programme.